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The study had 91 university students complete a series of surveys and cognitive tests, detailing how often they checked their phones and the types of activities they used it for.

The students were told to pick between a smaller sum of money offered immediately, or a larger sum of money offered at a later time - an assessment comparing the relationship between gratification and being rewarded.

The two researchers behind it, Henry Wilmer and Jason Chein, concluded that those who constantly check their phones are the types of people who need instant gratification.

"Mobile technology habits, such as frequent checking, seem to be driven most strongly by uncontrolled impulses and not by the desire to pursue rewards," said Wilmer in a statement.

He also said that the study could further demonstrate that our youngest generation has poor impulse control as a result of advancing personal technologies.

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"These findings are consistent with the common perception that frequent smartphone use goes hand in hand with impatience and impulsivity."

Now think about that time you guiltily devoured a whole box of chocolates on a whim, or couldn't resist just two (which turned into four!) more glasses of wine. Do you struggle to keep a firm grip on your impulses?

Start by ditching the smartphone for a bit, or at least checking it less frequently. Those texts can wait.